Feb. 21, 2007

Doctors help save … energy
Portland clinic kicks off campaign to provide free energy-efficient lights to the public

Portland, Ore. — Doctors at Fanno Creek Clinic in southwest Portland work hard every day to improve the lives of their patients. Now, they’re helping residents in their community improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Throughout the month of March, Fanno Creek Clinic will be giving away energy-saving compact florescent light bulbs to their patients, and they’re working with many area businesses to help provide lights to their customers as well. It’s part of a new campaign launched by Fanno Creek Clinic doctors called Energy March.

“We want to remind people of the simple ways they can save energy while reducing their costs, and using CFLs is a great place to start,” said Dr. Gregg Coodley, director of Fanno Creek Clinic.

The clinic, along with the campaign’s participating businesses, have committed to distribute more than 4,000 CFLs during the campaign, which according to the ENERGY STAR® program can save 960,000 kWh of electricity and prevent more than 1.5 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions (the equivalent to planting 190 acres of forest) during the life of the bulbs. CFLs use almost 75 percent less energy than an ordinary light, which can save a homeowner an average of $30 or more in energy costs before the bulb burns out.

The campaign has already received the attention of Portland General Electric, the City of Portland and Multnomah County, who are recognizing Fanno Creek Clinic for its efforts.

Nancy Miller, general business market manager for PGE said, “We are proud to support PGE customers like Fanno Creek Clinic as they help promote smart ways to save more energy. The Energy March campaign is a bright idea that deserves celebration by the community.”

Coodley sees the campaign as natural next step in his clinic’s commitment to the environment and the southwest Portland community, which they regularly support through donations to the local schools.

Recently, the clinic staff decided to make significant energy-saving improvements to their circa-1962 office building. They installed photovoltaic solar panels, upgraded roof insulation and replaced floor-to-ceiling window panes with new energy-efficient ones. They were even recognized by the City of Portland’s Office of Sustainable Development with a BEST (Business for an Environmentally Sustainable Tomorrow) Award in 2005.

The staff at Fanno Creek Clinic is also encouraged to make energy-wise decisions at home with an incentive program that provides a monetary allowance toward their purchase of ENERGY STAR appliances and energy-efficient vehicles.

Area residents can take part in the free bulb giveaway during Energy March by visiting a participating business to see how they can qualify. Most retailers will require a minimum purchase to receive a CFL. Fanno Creek Clinic will provide one free bulb to every patient with an appointment in March. Currently the following businesses have pledged to participate: Paloma Clothing, Annie Bloom’s Books, Three Square Grill, Baker & Spice, Thinker Toys, Baskin-Robbins in Hillsdale, Hot Lips Pizza, Flutter Found Objects, Topanien Gifts of the World, Switch Shoes, Edward Jones Investments in Multnomah Village, Burlingame Dental Arts, Therapeutic Associates, Celeste Lewis Architects, Dr. Richard Lee Garfinkle, DDS – Orthodontist and the law offices of Swanson, Thomas, and Coon.

As a reminder, CFLs should be disposed of properly. In most communities, CFLs may be disposed at centers set up to recycle or safely store household hazardous wastes such as paints, solvents, batteries and automotive oil. Store used fluorescent bulbs — and any incandescent light bulbs — in a safe place until it’s time to take household hazardous waste to a designated disposal center.

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